Smart PPE Choices for Summer

Smart PPE choices for summer

August 22, 2025
By Honeywell, for the Blue Print

As summer temperatures soar, the importance of selecting the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for outdoor workers cannot be overstated. Extreme hot conditions require the right gear to help ensure not only safety but also comfort. This blog will help you navigate the essential factors to consider when choosing PPE for hot environments.

Vented, non-vented & full brim safety helmets

When it comes to helmets, the choice between vented, unvented and full brim designs can make a significant difference in comfort and safety during the summer heat.

Vented safety helmets

Pros: Vented helmets offer increased airflow, which helps reduce heat buildup and sweat. This makes them more comfortable to wear in hot or physically demanding conditions.
Cons: The vents may allow debris or liquids to enter, potentially hindering visibility and safety. They are not suitable for electrical work as vents can allow electrical current to pass through.
Best for: General construction, plumbing, carpentry, and other tasks in non-electrical environments.

Non-vented safety helmets

Pros: Non-vented helmets provide complete protection from overhead debris and liquids and are required for electrical work. They ensure a higher level of safety in environments where contaminants are a concern.
Cons: They can trap heat and sweat, leading to discomfort in hot or humid conditions.
Best for: Environments with electrical hazards, construction, or where complete protection from overhead objects is necessary.

Full brim safety helmets
Full brim safety helmets are particularly well-suited for environments where workers are exposed to intense sunlight, rain, or falling debris.

Pros: The extended brim provides additional coverage, shielding the face, ears, and neck from UV rays and precipitation.

Cons: Full brim styles are wider, which may be limiting in space constrained areas.
Best for: Commonly used on construction sites, in forestry operations, utility maintenance, and any setting where overhead hazards or harsh weather conditions are present.

The role of color choice in PPE

Safety helmets
The color of safety helmets can significantly influence heat exposure management. Lighter colors reflect heat, while darker colors absorb more heat from the sun.

White and reflective colors
Lighter, reflective colors like white or yellow are effective in reducing heat absorption, keeping the wearer cooler; these are particularly beneficial in outdoor settings with high direct sunlight exposure.

Darker colors
Darker colors, including black or blue, tend to absorb more heat from the sun, increasing the temperature inside the PPE. This can contribute to greater heat stress on the wearer.

White safety gloves
Wearing white safety gloves while working outdoors in the sun makes a difference. The color reflects, rather than absorbs, the heat. Features to look for include:

Breathability and comfort: White gloves with breathable coatings can enhance comfort during extended wear in hot environments.

Lightweight design: Lightweight gloves help reduce hand fatigue, especially when wearing them for long periods in the heat.
Enhanced dexterity: Lightweight gloves also contribute to greater dexterity, allowing for precise handling even when working in warm conditions.

Fall protection harnesses

In hot conditions, the right harness can make a significant difference in comfort during long hours of wear. The best choices include harnesses that are designed to stay dry and breathable even when exposed to sweat.

Material: Choose padding material that has the lowest water vapor resistance, offers the best breathability and moisture dispersion technology to keep workers drier and cooler.
Ergonomic design: Select a harness that features an ergonomic design that reduces body contact around the neck and lower back, minimizing chafing and irritation while improving airflow.

Choosing the right PPE for summer heat involves carefully considering factors like ventilation, color, and ergonomic design to ensure both safety and comfort. By making informed decisions, you can help protect your workers from heat stress and maintain peak performance throughout the hot months.

Content originally from Honeywell. Reused here with permission.